Pichit said the clinic offers numerous services, including checks for diabetics, blood pressure, eyesight and pregnancy, as well as lab tests and x-rays. It also will be a base for local health-promotion programs, such as iRescue.

Mayor Itthiphol Kunplome (center) and BHP Director Dr. Pichit Kangwolkij cut the ribbon to open the new clinic in Jomtien.

The hospital director said services will be 20-30 percent cheaper than at the Sukhumvit Road hospital and, in the near future, there are plans to expand the clinic to be able to accommodate emergency cases equal to that of a leading hospital, 24 hours a day.

The clinic will be expanded to Jomtien Hospital within a budget of 650 million baht on a 9-rai parcel accommodating 200 beds with specialists in all fields, modern medical technologies to treat general and social-insurance patients in Banglamung, Pattaya, Jomtien, and Sattahip. The construction is most likely to be completed by 2016, he said.